Any hope Manchester United had of keeping Casemiro at the club was dashed again on Saturday.
The Brazilian revealed a few months ago that he would leave Old Trafford when his contract expires this summer, but after something of a revival in United’s colors this season, many at the club are hoping he will sign a new deal.
However, all good things must come to an end with the midfielder re-confirming his exit this weekend. That said, this feels like the right time for him to go. After all, it always felt like this year would be the year INEOS and Co finally strengthened the field.
So, how do you do that? Well, they are already being paired with local champions.
List of Man United midfield players
Two names have grown more than most in recent months; Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton. They will undoubtedly come at the top, not just because they are young, but it is rare for a top English player to come cheap.
Anderson was described as United’s ‘dream’ earlier in the week but the Nottingham Forest midfielder is not the only big-money target on their radar now.
Of course, it is also thought that the Red Devils are not only looking at Bruno Guimaraes but also Sandro Tonali. Reports a few weeks ago suggested United were in ‘advanced talks’ to sign the former but those allegations have since been dismissed.
Yes, according to new reports, Man United are now believed to have opened talks with Tonali’s team.
So far, it seems that they are only monitoring the midfielder’s condition but it seems that they have been encouraged during the talks, it is written that ‘Tonali seems to be open to a move’
The problem with the talks is that previous reports have suggested it would take around £100m to prize him away from Newcastle.
Man Utd’s most expensive signing ever
Most of their additions have not lived up to expectations.
Why Tonali could be Man United’s best signing in years
Manchester United may have a rich history, but it’s safe to say that their recent past, as far as this big club is concerned, has been troubling.
Erik ten Hag’s reign saw silverware return to Old Trafford but for much of the Dutchman’s reign, it was a disaster. The less said about Ruben Amorim’s stay the better.
Perhaps you have to go back to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign to find some semblance of consistency. Thankfully, that’s when they signed Bruno Fernandes.
During the Covid-hit 2019/20 campaign, the Portuguese arrived for £67m and the boy has paid that back ever since.
With 320 games, 106 goals and 103 assists under his belt, Fernandes has been one of the best pieces of business United have ever run and it feels like things are on the mend again.
For many years, the club’s transfer business was rife with scarcity; Jadon Sancho, Antony and Andre Onana remember. However, they are now aggressively attacking the Premier League market, as they did during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign.
Last summer, they welcomed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. This summer they can welcome Tonali and there is little chance that this one will go wrong.
|
Man Utd’s investment in the Premier League since Bruno |
|
|---|---|
|
The player |
Signed from |
|
Tom Heaton |
Aston Villa |
|
Wout Weghorst |
Burnley (loan) |
|
Martin Dubravka |
Newcastle (loan) |
|
Christian Eriksen |
Brentford |
|
Mason Mount |
Chelsea |
|
Jonny Evans |
Leicester |
|
Sergio Reguilon |
Spurs (loan) |
|
Bryan Mbeumo |
Brentford |
|
Matheus Kunha |
Wolves |
Although the Italian may have been banned for betting offences, his performance on the pitch is hard to doubt. According to Toon reporter Joel Bland, he is “one of the best midfielders in Europe” and it’s easy to see why.
While Tonali may not score many goals – he has just ten in 104 outings for the Magpies – his class, accuracy and composure on the ball are second to none.
This is a proven Premier League player, one of the best in the league. He’s not as physical as Casemiro, and he hasn’t won as many Champions League titles as Casemiro, but at just 25 years of age, he offers a set of qualities that combine well to take Michael Carrick’s team, whoever it is, to the next level.
Tonali won’t interfere with his way into the game and he won’t be as dangerous as Fernandes, but he can allow the team captain to do his job without worrying about what’s behind him.
In the Champions League this season, the Italy international is among the top 25% of midfielders scored in the final third. He also ranks in the top 12% against nearly identical players in strikeouts per 90 minutes (0.38).
A disruptor and a good reader of the game, he can contribute effectively in the final third as well. In Europe’s top competition, Tonali is among the best 17 percent in creating chances.
£100m may be a low price, but just like when Arsenal shelled out a similar amount to sign Declan Rice, this could end up looking like a bargain in the next few years.
